The ups and downs of one of Everton's finest, Leon Osman

Leon Osman is not just known for his energy and excellent footballing skills on the pitch, but also his buoyant and kind-hearted nature off the pitch.

He is a legend and a beloved player in every Evertonians' hearts.

Born on May 17th, 1981 in Wigan - Leon Osman grew up supporting The Toffees' archnemesis, Liverpool, but instead of joining the Reds, the Englishman of Somali descent ended up entering the youth academy of Everton at the age of 10.

Seven years later, Osman was included in Everton's U-18 setup, playing alongside the likes of Richard Dunne, Tony Hibbert, and Francis Jeffers, as he and his teammates won the 1997/98 FA Youth Cup where he also scored a goal in the first leg of the final against Blackburn.

His future looked nothing but bright after the cup victory but a dreadful knee injury followed soon after, keeping him on the sidelines for about a year and perhaps putting his rapid development to an abrupt halt.

About 3 years after his knee injury recovery, Leon Osman went on loan to third-tier side Carlisle United in October 2002. 21 years of age at the time, Leon Osman only made 12 appearances for The Cumbrians, scoring a single goal - he was subsequently recalled from loan in January.

Ossie, as he is usually called - made his first team debut on 12 January 2003, coming on as a last minute substitute to Chinese midfielder Li Tie in a match against Tottenham Hotspur where his team lost 4-3.

Leon Osman signed a new one-year contract with the Toffees soon after the season ended, but was still unable to find himself fitting into Scottish manager David Moyes' plans. The 22-year-old midfielder once again was shipped out on loan, this time to a second division team Derby County.

There Osman established himself as a crucial part of the team, helping them to avoid relegation after months full of struggle, appearing in 17 games while scoring 3 goals on the run.

His parent team, on the other side, were struggling to get a footing in the Premier League, enduring a horrible season under David Moyes with The Blues sitting 17th on the table, just a place above the relegation zone.

Leon Osman went back to his club after a fruitful season with Derby County and immediately slotted himself into the first team of Everton, making a name for himself with the fans and the manager.

The 2004/05 Premier League campaign turned out to be his breakout season. After an exasperating few years back due to his knee injury, he made a majestic comeback to Premier League football and were it not for him, maybe Everton's resurgence season wouldn't be so spectacular.

Many people might say that a breakout season at the age of 23 is a bit too late but after all that he has had to endure in his young career, his late revival was actually pretty impressive.

The 23-year-old English midfielder made a total of 33 appearances for Everton that season, with 6 goals to his name by the end of the season.

David Moyes managed to guide his side to a 4th place finish thanks to the help of his lads, including Leon Osman. Leon Osman became David Moyes' favourite and rooted himself in the senior team establishment for years to come despite having to compete with the likes of Thomas Gravesen, Mikel Arteta, Tim Cahill, Marouane Fellaini, and youth products like Dan Gosling, Jack Rodwell, and Ross Barkley in his favourite position of central and attacking midfielder throughout those years.

He also played as wide midfielders occasionally. He averaged himself around 33 matches with around 5 goals and 3 assists per season. The right-footed midfielder's excellent performances with his club in the 2011/12 season have been rewarded with a national team call-up in 2012.

It was his first ever senior national call-up and he was 31 at that time. He played his first match in a friendly defeat against Sweden.

Ossie was again called up again for the World Cup qualifiers after turning up splendidly for his team in the 2012/13 season. He finally made his first competitive England debut against San Marino in 2013.

The 2013/14 season marked the end of the David Moyes era at Everton.

After 11 years at Goodison Park, the Scottish manager left Everton for Manchester United, he was replaced by Roberto Martinez.

Many people might have thought that Osman would lose his place under the Spanish coach but it turned out to be the other way for the 32-year-old loyal midfielder. That season Leon Osman managed to reach several milestones in his footballing career - making his 300th league start for Everton, 300th Premier League appearance, scoring his 50th goal for Everton and managed to break David Unsworth's Premier League appearance record for Everton with 303 appearances.

Ossie was also an ever-present figure at Everton in the 2013/14 season, turning up in every league match every week. He was the first and the only Everton player to do so under Roberto Martinez.

The Toffees were imposing that year. Their consistent form helps them finish in an awe-inspiring 5th place on the table.

Despite a high-flying season in 2013/14, the season after marks the downfall of a Leon Osman.

Already 33 years old at that time, Leon Osman's 2014/15 season was filled with a series of ankle injuries and groin strain. He did manage to get an overall of 30 appearances in all competitions with 3 goals and 2 assists that season, but he never really recovered to full fitness and get back his best form.

In November 2014, Osman signed a contract extension which would keep him at the club until 2016.

By 2015/16, Osman has already lost his place in the first team. With Martinez preferring to play younger and fitter players such as James McCarthy, Tom Cleverley, and Ross Barkley in the centre of the field and more attack-minded players in the wider areas - Leon Osman found himself in the middle of nowhere. He became only a backup player, only getting approximately 753 minutes of play on the field.

His contract expired at the end of the season and The Toffees decided to release him. He retired from professional football not long after.

Leon Osman was an energetic midfielder and a fairly skilful player. He is a decent striker of the ball, he loves to power it home, especially on the volley and from outside the box. He is a bit of a versatile player, able to play anywhere in the centre of the field and in wider areas.

Though Osman didn't win any major awards nor silverware during the span of his professional career and perhaps not known for eye-catching tricks or outstanding statistics. He was still a great player with a great personality - professional, loyal, and humble.